2010 Bowling Pin Shoots
Pin shooting is enjoyed in a relaxed setting and is a great way to sharpen pistol handling skills without the pressure of other types of competitive events. The objective is to shoot five bowling pins off a table. It is very simple: you have a table with 5 Standard Bowling Pins spaced 12 inches apart. The firing line is situated twenty-five feet in front of the table. You start the match with your loaded firearm in your hand, resting on a 45 degree angle to the ground (or muzzle on the table). On the signal you lift your gun and begin shooting. Shooters are scored by adding the fastest 2 scores out of 3 tables shot. It's that simple.
Shooters can compete in Open or Limited classes. "Open Class" normally features semi-auto pistols with compensators or ported barrels, carbines (semi-auto and full auto), along with all the other "bells & whistles" the shooter's bank account can afford! "Limited Class" allow you to use any stock pistol, revolver, or carbine. Pin shooting is one of the few Action Shooting disciplines where the old axiom "Shoot what ya brung!" still rings true. Unless you have the desire to do so, there is no need for fancy guns.
Pin shooting can be especially attractive for the new shooter because there is no need for fancy equipment. You don't need holsters, belts, or magazine pouches. All that is required is a rifle, carbine, or handgun; 2-3 magazines or speed loaders; sufficient ammunition; & eye and ear protection. There is no movement or obstacle courses to be negotiate so if you have neglected your aerobics or haven't stuck to your diet, that's OK.
A classification system is used to award prizes fairly amongst the shooters of each class. You do not need to be the fastest to win prizes. Depending on turnout for each class of weapon, sub groups within each class are created and awards are presented to the top shooters in each sub-group (A, B, & C groups). This gives the new shooters incentive and keeps the competition more open and not just a match where only the experienced shooters with the latest & most expensive equipment win.
Our top priorities are SAFETY and FUN, in that order. Eye protection is required at all times at the pin range. If you can see the pin shoot bay, make sure you have your glasses on. The range officer has the final say on any safety related issues, (such as, but not limited to: gun handling, caliber, ammo type, adequate eye protection, firearm defects, etc.).
Course of Fire – 1 Round = 3 Timed tables (best 2 out of 3 for score)
The shooters are called to their stations, referred to as “the line.” Guns are brought forward to the line cased or holstered until otherwise permitted by the range officer. There is no limit to the amount of ammunition, magazines or speedloaders that a shooter may bring to the line.
In conducting a round, the range officer gives the following commands:
“Shooters to the Line.” At this point, guns may be removed from cases and holsters, and shooters are allowed to aim their unloaded guns at the target to ready themselves for fire.
“Shooters may load and make ready.” At this point, shooters load their guns and array their magazines or speedloaders for fast reloading. The shooter’s finger must not be on the trigger but they are allowed to aim at the pins during this period.
“Shooters ready, Timers ready, Guns on the table”– Participants prepare for firing. Shooter & Timers nod approval or state that they are not ready to commence fire. Shooters keep their muzzles on their stations, fingers off the trigger.
“And the whistle blows” – Shooters engage the pins until they have cleared their pins or the whistle/horn is blown a second time.
Shooter advance to the next table (repeat Step 2 – 6 for 2nd & 3rd tables)
Cease Fire Call – Shooters immediately stop firing.
“Unload and show clear” Shooters unload their guns, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, remaining at their stations so that the Range Officer (Timers are often RO’s) can verify that the gun is unloaded and in a safe condition.
“Bag or holster.” Shooters return their guns to their cases or holsters and depart the line.
“The line is clear. Go forward and reset targets.” After a round, shooters who were not on the line and are not called to the line for the next round are informally expected to set the pins for the next round of shooters. Persons setting pins should examine the condition of the pin to determine if it remains satisfactory for further use.
Pinshooting is fun, competitive, practical shooting that sharpens one’s handgun skills under time pressure. All pinshooters can expect an event that will improve their skills in the company of fellow shooters who are supportive and friends before competitors. Your fellow shooters will be glad to have you at our event, whether you clear the table in five seconds or a minute. You’ll learn more about shooting and guns each time, and you’ll make good friends along the way.
2010 Bowling Pin Schedule
Wednesday June 2, 2010 6:00 PM $4 / Round (Member) $5/Round (Non-Member)
Wednesday July 7, 2010 6:00 PM $4 / Round (Member) $5/Round (Non-Member)
Wednesday August 4, 2010 6:00 PM $4 / Round (Member) $5/Round (Non-Member)